Deer Hunting

Well, here is evidence that the deer are in rut. A couple of weeks ago, Darren called me as he was driving a tractor in a hayfield; an old buck with a doe were in the field. It was a narrow, but high horned deer that Darren wanted shot for a cull. So I loaded up the kids and my 243 rifle. Dean had just laid down for nap, but as soon as I told him we were going deer hunting, he started whispering (while still in his bed) and telling me how quiet we should be! KatieLynn started holding her ears as soon as we got in the garage, in preparation for the loud boom! The kids were very excited!

As we got to the field, we spotted the buck, still staying close to the doe. I haven't shot a deer in 6 or 7 years, so I was a little nervous, plus Darren is telling me to be sure I can make the shot, because he doesn't want me just wounding the deer, on top of the kids in the backseat taking it all in. But I took a deep breath, and remembered my dad's voice telling me to hold the gun tight to my shoulder, and just squeeze the trigger... so I did. When the deer fell down, KatieLynn asked me if we were eating deer meat that night, then Dean says, "Ooo I just love that ol' deer meat!"

The kids have seen Darren shot hogs before, but this was the first time to see a deer shot, and I feel like they will remember it always.

Halloween: Lion Cub & Construction Worker

A few days before Halloween, we met some friends (thanks Bryant's!) at a park to decorate sugar cookies. I don't know what the kids enjoyed more, playing with friends on the playground, decorating cookies, or eating them! It was all a blast! And I enjoyed watching them just as much; they were so excited!

Dean carefully places little m&ms on his cookie.Our Lioness is done decorating and ready to eat! Dean's ready to dig in, too!

We went to our church's Halloween festival Saturday afternoon, and then that night, we went trick-or-treating with cousin Emma (the mermaid) in her subdivision.

Bob (Dean) the Builder, Lion cub, and Mermaid

We rode on a little wagon to go trick-or-treating.

Dean & KatieLynn get thier 'treat', and usually remembered to say thank-you.

Dean's Birthday Party

We had a small birthday party with only close family and friends the weekend after Dean's birthday. Before he took his nap, he told me 'Close the door. I go to sleep; you go make my trackhoe and dirt for my cake.' He was so excited! Claire, Emma, Hadley, Dean, KatieLynn, & Gracie
Dean, Hadley, & KatieLynn

I assist Dean as he opens presents.